boohooMAN Interview: Laidback Luke

We caught up with producer, DJ & martial arts specialist, Laidback Luke, to talk all things music, career highlights, fashion and what’s in store for 2018.

When was the pinnacle moment you realised you could make a career in music?

The moment I found out I was able to make music with help of a computer. This wasn’t a normal thing, it was in 1992 and computers were still a novelty. But I knew then and there that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.

Name three artists you had on your playlist when you were younger?

Daft Punk, N.E.R.D and Timbaland.

Who’s your biggest music inspiration?

I’ve learned a lot about lyrics listening to the Beatles, Bob Marley and George Michael. For the rest I don’t have one particular name that I could label as my main inspiration. Throughout the years it has been various names. But coming back to 1992 it was most definitely The Prodigy for me.

What’s been your career highlight?

I’ve always set out to make it. But my way up was a very long and hard road with small successes. There was never an pivotal moment, but I remember when everything started to click from 2007 on wards and from there on I realised I was entering the realms of finally making it.

What song have you got on repeat at the moment?

Not one in specific at the moment! My new song perhaps, but I can’t let you hear it yet! This morning, I put on Bookashade’s “In White Rooms” for some throwback moods and vibes.

Can you describe your sound in three words?

Energetic, Fun and Ballsy.

What’s the best way to get a crowd pumped?

Tapping into the energy of the crowd and seeing what they need to keep that going. So no mic’s, no standing on the DJ booth, no intro’s. Just some amazing DJing!

How does the UK crowd differ from other countries?

The UK crowd is a very educated crowd. These last 5 years, the deeper genres have taken over the UK mainstream, which is absolutely fine. For the ones that still want a taste of that Dirty Dutchy sound, then our event at Ministry will be a great event to experience that over again.

Being Dutch, can you give us an insight into the music scene back home?

Oh that has changed completely now! Our Hip Hop artists are rapping over Moombahton beats and it’s incredible. Think of it in the Same style as Man’s Not Hot, but pretty much all our rappers are doing it, and not as a skrrrrr bap, type of skit! The young Dutch teenagers are eating that up and it’s awesome!

What does it mean to you being a DJ/Producer?

It means really understanding the art of DJing and the art of Producing. It doesn’t mean having your social media on point. Or your logo on point. Or your followers. That all will come later. It doesn’t mean living the life and fly private jets all the time and enjoying being famous. That’s all bullocks. Learn the craft first! DJing is more than mixing in and out of an intro or making prefabricated mashups. A lot of young talent stick so much time in producing nowadays, they forget to stick the proper time into the real art of DJing!

If you weren’t a DJ/Producer, what would you be?

Very unhappy! But I’d probably be a professional martial artist, as Kung Fu is my life next to DJing and Producing. I’m a part-time Kung Fu teacher at the moment.

Have you got any new music on the way?

I have a ton of new music on the way! We are releasing a new version of Rocking With The Best soon and Steve Aoki and I are back with a new banger!

As you know, festival line-ups have been dropping left right and centre, is there any that you would love to go to?

I’d absolutely would love to go to a more alternative festival. Just to be inspired by all the other great music that’s out there. You won’t find me camping though, I don’t know how people put up with that!

Are you playing any festivals this year?

I most certainly am! We’ll be announcing these very soon!

Which festival has been your favourite to date? Playing or attending.

I absolutely love Tomorrowland. Both for DJs as for the crowd, it’s such a unique experience and it all comes down to taking care of all the final little details.

How do you guys spend your down time away from music?

I practice my martial arts en work on my fitness to stay #LaidbackLukeFit